The game set what was at that time, an NBA All-Star attendance record, and was known for having neither Magic Johnson nor Larry Bird playing, though both were still active in the NBA. Johnson was selected, but sat out due to injuries (and was replaced by Abdul-Jabbar). Though he only scored 4 points, the game ended memorably with Abdul-Jabbar hitting the final shot of the game, fittingly a Sky Hook.

The game featured a rap by rap group Ultramagnetic MCs that named each all-star and each coach. The rap was broadcast immediately before the start of the game.